Although we currently only teach French and Spanish at Rodillian we are hoping to embark on a more worldwide journey into languages.
This will primarily be done via the Rodillian MFL Weblog. See the left hand column. Hopefully in the next academic year we will be able to
offer taster courses in a variety of languages each running for a number of weeks.
Japanese is already up and running on the Rodillian weblog. You can find the first 10 lessons HERE and some audio visual resources HERE
Here is a taster of one of the learning videos:
And below is an example of the content of a Japanese lesson:
Meeting Someone New
We are often asked by our students learning Japanese how to introduce oneself to someone new. The interaction is normally very formal and filled with a few bows. Below is a typical Japanese conversation between two people meeting for the first time:
Explanation: "Hajimemashite" literally means "it is a beginning" but would be the equivalent of "Nice to meet you" in English. It would only be used the first time meeting someone. As learned in Lesson 9, "genki" means "in good spirits". "O-genki desu ka" is literally asking "Are you in good spirits?". This is the most common way of asking "How are you?" in Japanese. The other person responds "Yes, I am in good spirits". "Mousu" is the ultra polite form of the verb "iu" (to say). Both people are literally saying "I am said/called _". "Namae" is the word for "name". An "o" is added in front of it (and other words throughout this exchange) to show respect. This is not done when talking about yourself. "Yoroshii" means "good/fine" and "negai" is a wish or request. "Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu" literally means "I request/wish kindly of you". It is basically like saying "Please treat me well". It can be used in other situations as well - such as when asking for a favor.
Other Common Phrases
We are often asked how to say "I love you" in Japanese. This would be "Anata o ai shite imasu" BUT be advised that the Japanese typically don't use the word for love (愛 - あい - ai) when talking about their feelings for someone else (not even a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, child, parent, etc.). They would typically say "Anata no koto ga suki desu" or "Anata ga daisuki desu". "Suki" means "like" and "daisuki" means "favorite". This may seem strange but this is just what they say for "I love you".
This will primarily be done via the Rodillian MFL Weblog. See the left hand column. Hopefully in the next academic year we will be able to
offer taster courses in a variety of languages each running for a number of weeks.
Japanese is already up and running on the Rodillian weblog. You can find the first 10 lessons HERE and some audio visual resources HERE
Here is a taster of one of the learning videos:
And below is an example of the content of a Japanese lesson:
Japanese Lesson 10
Meeting Someone NewWe are often asked by our students learning Japanese how to introduce oneself to someone new. The interaction is normally very formal and filled with a few bows. Below is a typical Japanese conversation between two people meeting for the first time:
(In Kanji, Hiragana, and Romaji)
こんにちは。はじめまして。
Konnichi wa. Hajimemashite.
はじめまして。おげんきですか。
Hajimemashite. O-genki desu ka?
How are you?
はい、げんきです。
Hai, genki desu.
わたしはともうします。 あなたのおなまえは？
Watashi wa to moushimasu. Anata no o-namae wa?
What is your name?
わたしはといいます。よろしくおねがいします。
Watashi wa to iimasu. Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu.
Pleased to make your
acquaintance.
よろしくおねがいします。
Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu.
acquaintance.
Other Common Phrases
We are often asked how to say "I love you" in Japanese. This would be "Anata o ai shite imasu" BUT be advised that the Japanese typically don't use the word for love (愛 - あい - ai) when talking about their feelings for someone else (not even a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, child, parent, etc.). They would typically say "Anata no koto ga suki desu" or "Anata ga daisuki desu". "Suki" means "like" and "daisuki" means "favorite". This may seem strange but this is just what they say for "I love you".
(English Letters)
(used when someone is going to bed)
("My stomach is empty.")